Kenneth H. Nash Post 8 is a local post of the American Legion, and is located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. It received its charter January 18, 1922. Post 8 is a non-profit, (501(c)(19) organization that provides a mutually helpful place for its members. It also promotes volunteerism by offering regular events, activities, and fundraising drives to support veterans, their families, and the surrounding neighborhood/community. Three organizations are part of Post 8: The American Legion; the Sons of the American Legion (SAL); and the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). Post 8 features a members’ lounge, an event hall, a small kitchen, and a meeting space.

What We Do

The American Legion is committed to supporting our fellow service members and veterans, as well as their spouses and children. We sponsor youth programs, perform community service works, and promote patriotism. To achieve this goal, we offer many fun and productive events and activities - see our continually updated calendar. The American Legion (national level) states it best when it says, “The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.”

We support servicemembers and veterans: Whether it’s volunteering time at the Veterans Administration Medical Center; serving dinner for wounded warriors hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center; sending notes of appreciation to folks of the Armed Forces Retirement Home; fundraising to help homeless veterans with children, or helping a Boy Scout troop send care packages to deployed servicemembers, Post 8 actively supports military members and veterans.

We support local schools and youth programs: Post 8 partners with our local neighborhood elementary school and with Boy Scout Troop 343 from Joint Base Anacostia Bolling. Each year, we award college scholarships to high school graduates. We also support the local US Naval Sea Cadet detachment.

We honor veterans while promoting patriotism: Post 8 members lay wreaths and participate in commemoration ceremonies for members of the armed forces; assist in the transport, escorting, and seating of disabled and elderly vets attending Memorial Day and Independence Day concerts at the US Capitol; and, throughout the year, volunteer to help Honor Flights. Honor Flights are made up of visiting veterans who come to the District from all over the nation to see World War II, Korean War, and other national war memorials. Post 8 also hosts its own ceremonial events and dinners on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Photo: 2017-2018 National Commander Denise Rohan. She is the first woman to lead the American Legion. The National Commander testifies before Congress at least once a year to advocate for veterans and their families.

For a history of the American Legion and information on benefits and services, please visit the nationalAmerican Legion website.

Photo: Honor Flight of World War II veterans at the National World War II Memorial, Washington, DC.